Man charged in fatal shooting

Suspect is at large, considered dangerous

Dec. 9, 2012

Marlo B. Hodges

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A man has been charged with first-degree murder following a Friday shooting.

Springfield police said Marlo B. Hodges, 51, had been charged in connection with the homicide at 1360 E. Brower St. The announcement came about 9:45 p.m. Saturday.

Police said Hodges, who remains at large, is black, 5 feet, 10 inches tall and approximately 190 pounds. He is believed to be driving a blue 2000 Jaguar four-door car with Missouri license plate CF2M7X.

Earlier Saturday, police identified the man who died in Friday’s shooting as James D. Davis, 34, of St. Louis. Police said Davis had been in Springfield for a period of time.

On Friday, Cpl. Matt Brown, police spokesman, said police were told the victim and an acquaintance walked into a house and were shot. After the victim was shot, he defended himself while his acquaintance was in an altercation with another suspect in the house. Multiple weapons were used. At least four people were involved.

A possible stabbing was also reported about a block away from the shooting.

A probable cause statement detailing the police investigation into the shooting was not available by press time. Online court records indicate an infraction was filed in Laclede County on Thursday against a 51-year-old Marlo B. Hodges with a Springfield address. The infraction is failing to properly affix vehicle plates, with an alleged violation date of Nov. 21.

The same Hodges is also named as a defendant in a small claims lawsuit filed in Greene County. A docket entry shows a hearing scheduled for this past Wednesday was continued because of “no service.”

Police say a warrant has been issued for Hodges’ arrest.

“Hodges is considered to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached by anyone other than law enforcement personnel,” police said in a news release.